Tips for taking a child's temperature

• On newborns to 3 months, use a rectal thermometer

• On babies 3 months to 3 years, use a rectal or axillary (armpit) thermometer

• For children 4 to 5 years old, use a rectal, axillary or oral thermometer

• For children, 5 years or older, use an oral or axillary thermometer

• Mercury thermometers should not be used.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics E-mail to a friend